Pellegrini is fast losing patience with Hart, whose series of mistakes earlier in the season led to the manager dropping him in favour of Costel Pantilimon.

However, Caballero will not come cheap, with Malaga director general Vicente Casado effectively ordering City to stump up some serious cash if they are to get their man.

Pellegrini will have to match the player’s £20m release clause.

“We will not sell Willy Caballero,” said Malaga director general Vicente Casado. “He will not leave unless someone pays his release clause and he is in agreement. At the moment we are focused on building the squad.”

Caballero recently signed a new contract with Malaga, although the 32-year-old has not had the happiest time between the sticks for Malaga this season, keeping just four clean sheets in 13 appearances. His side sit 14th in La Liga.

He is, however, attracting interest from a number of other European clubs. It's likely to be a case of whoever fronts up the cash first will get him, but considering his age, whether anybody will is another matter.